Rotorcraft
Boeing’s FARA Contender Finally Emerges
Boeing’s FARA bid is based on a relatively conventional helicopter layout, albeit with a pusher propeller for high-speed performance.
In Boeing’s design, the armament is carried internally, the fold-up doors also acting as launchers. (Image: Boeing)
In Boeing’s design, the armament is carried internally, the fold-up doors also acting as launchers. (Image: Boeing)

Boeing has revealed details of its entry for the U.S. Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program—the last of the five rival bidders to do so. FARA aims to provide the Army with an advanced light attack and reconnaissance capability, replacing the now-retired Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior scout helicopter. It will also eventually replace those AH-64 Apaches that are now used in the armed reconnaissance role—accounting for nearly half of the fleet.

Five teams were awarded FARA design contracts in April 2019. Three teams will be dropped later this month when the remaining two teams will be funded to build competitive prototypes. They will fly by 2022 before a head-to-head fly-off at the end of Fiscal Year 2023. The final design is due to be fielded by 2028.